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Phoenix Rising tops Seattle Sounders on Chris Cortez goal

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson attempts to take control of the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson attempts to take control of the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Kevon Lambert passes the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Fans cheer on the Rising on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Fans cheer on the Rising on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Fans cheer on the Rising on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Fans cheer on the Rising on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson and Orange County SC defender Thomas Juel-Nielsen land a fall after fighting for the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson and Orange County SC defender Thomas Juel-Nielsen land a fall after fighting for the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson and Orange County SC defender Thomas Juel-Nielsen land a fall after fighting for the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson and Orange County SC defender Thomas Juel-Nielsen land a fall after fighting for the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Gladson Awako drives the ball up the field on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Gladson Awako drives the ball up the field on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

A ball girl holds her nose during the match between Phoenix Rising FC and Las Vegas Lights FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

A ball girl holds her nose during the match between Phoenix Rising FC and Las Vegas Lights FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron walks back to the bench before the start of a game against Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron walks back to the bench before the start of a game against Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron looks at his other coaches before the start against Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron looks at his other coaches before the start against Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

The Red Fury in the stands at the Phoenix Rising vs. Sacramento Republic game at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

The Red Fury in the stands at the Phoenix Rising vs. Sacramento Republic game at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba protests a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba protests a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba (11) shoots a rebound off his penalty but cannot score against Sacramento during the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba (11) shoots a rebound off his penalty but cannot score against Sacramento during the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Fans arrive in the sunset to watch Phoenix Rising play Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba holds up a jersey celebrating his 500th game of his career before the start against Sacramento Republic at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba holds up a jersey celebrating his 500th game of his career before the start against Sacramento Republic at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba holds up a jersey celebrating his 500th game of his career before the start against Sacramento Republic at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba holds up a jersey celebrating his 500th game of his career before the start against Sacramento Republic at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising fans protest a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising fans protest a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising fans protest a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising fans protest a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Gladson Awadko (10) of Phoenix Rising FC reacts during the game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman, Billy Hardiman/for The Republic

Head coach Steve Cooke of Oklahoma City Energy FC during the game against Phoenix Rising FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Head coach Steve Cooke of Oklahoma City Energy FC during the game against Phoenix Rising FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Fans celebrate a goal by Phoenix Rising FC during their game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Fans celebrate a goal by Phoenix Rising FC during their game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Joy He, age 6, celebrates a goal by Phoenix Rising FC during their game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Joy He, age 6, celebrates a goal by Phoenix Rising FC during their game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba yells out to his teammates during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba yells out to his teammates during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron watches the team play at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Amadou Dia (13) and Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) fight for a loose ball during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Gladson Awako is pulled down by Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Gladson Awako is pulled down by Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Gladson Awako is pulled down by Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Gladson Awako is pulled down by Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

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Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson attempts to take control of the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.

The lone goal for the Rising came in the 56th minute from Chris Cortez, as he raced towards the net with a defender on each arm. As he progressed towards the net, the Sounders’ goalkeeper, Calle Brown, approached him in an attempt the thwart his progress. The attempt failed, and Cortez capitalized on the open net, kicking the ball high enough for it to bounce in.

“Just a long ball clearance,” Cortez said on the goal. “Just trying to be in a spot to be an outlet. The defender came in and I was able to win the flick-on and my momentum was carrying me towards the goal.”

Phoenix, winners of 3 of their last 5 and in second place in the USL Western Conference, improved to 11-4-5. Seattle to 3-13-2, and haven't won since a June 10 match against OKC Energy FC.

Cortez now has nine goals on the season, which ties him with Kharlon Belmar (Swope Park Rangers) and Cameron Iwasa (Sacramento Republic FC) for second in the USL.

With another goal added to Cortez’s resume, he credited the record attendance as an added boost for his play and the way his peers perform.

“It’s great, they’ve been really great all season,” Cortez said. “They just continue to get better and better throughout the year for us. You think (where) the heat and the temperature we’re at, the turnout was still high. I think this shows that we continue to grow and for us, as players, we really try to respond and continue to give that extra push to give them a show and a reason to keep coming back.”

With the temperature reaching 108 degrees and the humidity being north of 30 percent, Rising goalie Carl Wosczcynski took notice of what the sellout crowd meant to him, despite the weather not being in anybody's interest, which led to two water breaks.

“Ah, it’s great,” said Wosczcynski. “Obviously everybody says the big knock here is the heat and people don’t want to come out in the summer and watch a game, but this proves it wrong. Dollar beers also don’t hurt.”

The temperature didn’t faze the Rising too much, especially once the second half began. Cortez noted the team practices early in the morning and takes in much of the sun's rays. With such a practice environment preparing them for nights like the one against Seattle, they were prepared for it.

“It’s always hard,” said Rising interim coach Rick Schantz. “The way I want them to play is at a faster and high pace. I was impressed with Seattle because their kids never stopped running. They were quick, they were athletic and they put us under a lot of pressure. We matched it, it’s what we do. We train in the morning to get used to the heat for a reason, so the temperature really doesn’t bother us.”